What can you do with Reasonable Suspicion?

• A. Arrest without probable cause
• B. Detention/Investigative, Stop Pat Down/Frisk/Terry Stop
• C. Full search
• D. Seize property without warrant

Answer: (B)

Reasonable suspicion allows a brief, noncustodial investigative detention. It’s enough to justify stopping someone and briefly questioning them when their behavior or appearance suggests involvement in criminal activity, but it isn’t enough to arrest. If the officer reasonably believes the person may be armed and dangerous, a limited pat-down frisk is permitted to check for weapons. This combination of stop, questioning, and a possible frisk is the Terry Stop. The detention must be short and narrowly tailored to determine whether there is probable cause to arrest or to conduct further investigation. It cannot be used to arrest without probable cause, perform a full search, or seize property without a warrant, except for specific, well-defined exceptions.